The prickly pear cactus produces sweet, juicy fruit that is also known as tuna or “cactus fig.” It tastes light and delicious in the summer when combined with lime and frozen. Cactus fig is available in few gourmet stores and all Mexican supermarkets.
| Prep Time: | 10 mins |
| Cook Time: | 10 mins |
| Additional Time: | 5 hrs 35 mins |
| Total Time: | 5 hrs 55 mins |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Yield: | 1 pint |
Ingredients
- 3 cactus figs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Remove the outer skin of the cactus figs to expose the light green flesh. Push the flesh through a mesh sieve into a bowl, collecting the juice and trapping the seeds and pulp.
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; allow to cool slightly, about 15 minutes.
- Stir cactus juice and lime juice into the sugar water. Mix thoroughly; chill for 1 hour.
- Pour cactus-lime mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 20 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.